ISLAMABAD: In Pakistan’s rapidly expanding art scene, Talat Dabir is one of the most celebrated sculptors and ceramists. Tanzara Gallery on Thursday, inaugurated an exhibition of her recent work. This body of work entitled ‘The Inward Journey’ appears to be mediation on survival of human spirit.

Dabir’s metier is clay which, with its immense malleability, allows the artist to play with forms ranging from amorphous to more definitive. Her subject, the human form, is one of the most traditional in art. However, Dabir does not allow herself to be influenced by traditions, forever redefining what a sculpture should look like.

Some of the pieces in this exhibition hark back to the Garden of Eden and Noah’s Ark abound with rich influences ranging from religion, nature, historic and architecture. In exploring the human condition she also encompasses the glories and tragedies of human evolution. The artist brings in meshes from Islamic architecture along with earthenware pots typically seen in rural Pakistan.

Contemplative, sombre figures are juxtaposed with birds and vines, while shades of brown and green retain the earthy feel of clay.

Talking about “the head in the boat”, one of the pieces on display, Dabir said: “The work and exhibition are part of my journey of self-discovery; in particular I asked myself why I have lived my life the way I did?”

She said she asked herself where the last 35 years of her life went and why she had given too much time to others without having any to herself.

“In creating my sculptures, I analysed myself and understood that I have lived the way I did because I am a very emotional person, an obsessive mother, intensely family-oriented and passionate about my work,” she mused.

Tanzara’s director Noshi Qadir said, “Talat Dabir seamlessly puts forth a revitalisation of the human form in sculpture – through a vigilant investigation of the body encompassing both its ‘physical’ and ‘spiritual’ accounts.

The human condition constituting its inception, endeavour and transcendence – remains the primary objective that Talat’s sculptures have carefully established and asserted throughout her career.”

Nasreen Qadir, a visitor to the exhibition said “The detailing on the sculptures is exquisite.”

Pointing to a piece she added, “This appears to be a slave ship, judging from the expressions of the figures.”

In this exhibition, Talat has also included some very fine pen and ink drawings which are both minimalistic in their essence. Like most of her work, they too explore the human condition and form.

The artist’s four decades of work is commendable. It has a strong identity which transcends traditional boundaries and has won several awards and honours.

Her work is extensively exhibited at home and abroad and many pieces are showcased in public and private collections worldwide.

Published in Dawn, October 24th, 2014